·Neck pain is the catch all term used to cover any
pain in the cervical area of the body. It can be acute or chronic.

·Acute neck pain is often associated with
twisting injuries or automobile accidents, while chronic neck pain is often
associated with degenerative diseases.

·Neck pain can be caused by a variety of medical
conditions:

ocervical herniated disc

oforaminalstenosis

ocervical spinal stenosis with myelopathy

osymptomatic cervical disc
degeneration

ocervical disc degeneration

oosteoarthritis

ospondylosis

oinfections

Who Suffers From
Neck Pain?

·You Are Not Suffering Alone!

·75% of people suffer some form of neck pain
during their lifetime.

·Americans spend billions of dollars each year on
neck pain.

·Neck pain is a common ailment among workers.
Many suffer neck pain from remaining in one position for an extended period of
time.

·Whiplash, a form of neck pain, is a very common
injury after an automobile accident.

·With 75% of the population affected, neck pain
could be considered a national pandemic.

Neck Pain And Your Body

The neck consists of seven vertebrae(C-1 through C-7) with
discs made of cartilage between each vertebrae. In
addition to the seven vertebrae, the neck is composed aa complex integration of soft tissues. Muscles,
nerves, blood vessels, glands and cartilage all assist the neck in performing its
primary functions of protecting the upper spinal cord as well as supplying
blood and oxygen to the brain. The neck is designed to support the weight of
your head and allow the flexibility to turn and twist in multiple directions.

Below are two links to relevant material about the anatomy
and function of the neck:

·The cartilage between the vertebrae can wear and
disappear over time.

·The muscles or tendons can be injured.

·Infection in the glands of the neck can cause
pain.

·The major arteries and veins in the neck can be
the source of neck pain if they become partially occluded.

Can Neck Pain Be
Prevented?

Three quarters of the population will suffer from neck
pain at one time or another, but there are a few things that can be done to
prevent neck pain.

·Do not remain in the same position for an
extended period of time. Stand up and stretch. Move around from time to time at
work or while enjoying a hobby at home. Adjust your computer station so that
your monitor is always at eye level.

·Exercise. Regular exercise will strengthen the
core muscles that help to support your neck and head.

·Avoid turning your neck while lifting a heavy
load. Your body is already under stress and turning your neck may cause a
muscle pull or strain.

·Avoid sleeping on your stomach. This puts stress
on your neck all night. Use a pillow that supports the natural curve of your
cervical area.

Who Treats Neck
Pain

·Primary healthcare providers

·Chiropractors

·Physical and massage therapists

·Practitioners of alternative medicine

Treatment for Neck
Pain:

Acute neck pain may be treated with manipulation, over
the counter pain relievers, and stretching exercises. Additionally, changing
your sleeping position and adjusting your sitting posture may help as
recommended above.

·Chiropractic manipulation may be used in
conjunction with physical therapy to restore muscle movement and strength.
Traction may be applied or a soft neck brace could be prescribed for additional
support.

·In extreme cases surgery may be required. Surgery
can have several aspects. It can be aimed at providing more room between
vertebrae, fuse vertebrae for stabilization, or replace cartilage. Surgery
usually becomes a factor if you have one of these underlying conditions:

ocervical herniated disc

oforaminalstenosis

ocervical spinal stenosis with myelopathy and

ospondylosis among others

Specific
Conditions That Cause Neck Pain:

·Muscle injury usually causes acute, temporary
neck pain. It can be the result of a twist of the neck or accidental injury.

·Arthritis can be related the general wear and
tear associated with constant movement. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune
disease. Spinal stenosis and spondylosis
both narrow the space between vertebrae and can cause neck pain.

·Infection strikes us all from time to time. Your
primary healthcare provider will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic and your
pain will soon disappear

·Occluded blood vessels are a sign of a much more
serious medical condition and could lead to a stroke and dementia.

Follow the link below to get more information about
conditions that can cause neck pain: